Our Branch Team
These are the elected branch officers for 2026/2027
Dawn Ward
Branch Secretary
Hi, my name is Dawn Ward, and I have been an accredited representative for nearly twenty years. I am a HCPC registered senior occupational therapist, and I have spent most of my career working across various services within Cardiff and Vale University Health Board (CAV UHB). I became a staff representative to help NHS workers thrive, feel valued, and be proud to be part of the NHS.
I am passionate about equal pay for work of equal value, practicing compassionate leadership, and tackling prejudice and injustice whenever we see or hear it. Currently, I serve as UNISON's Branch Secretary and the Chair of the CYMRU Regional Health Committee. I also hold a National seat on the Health Service Group Executive.
Additionally, I am the elected Chair of the Staff Side group within CAV UHB, providing leadership and support to all trade unions with members working under Agenda for Change terms and conditions.
Bill Salter
Branch Chair
The Chair provides leadership to the branch and plays a key role in supporting members and representatives. They ensure branch meetings are conducted fairly, inclusively, and in line with UNISON rules and democratic processes.
I have been elected in a few positions in Unison in our Welsh region as Health & Safety Chair and Operational Lead for Wales specialising in campaigns for bands 1s to 5.
My main role is Staff Side Lead for CD&T Clinical board.
Cyrille Legras
Vice Chair
As Vice Chair I supports the Chair in leading the branch or committee, helping to ensure meetings run effectively and decisions are carried out. They may deputise for the Chair when required, support branch officers and representatives, and play a key role in promoting members’ interests, engagement, and involvement in UNISON activities. The Vice Chair helps maintain good communication, teamwork, and effective representation of members.
Madeleine Smith
Assistant Branch Secretary
Hi, my name is Maddy Smith, I have been an accredited Unison representative since 2018. I have worked in Cardiff and Vale UHB since 2006 and have worked in several different roles and department but mainly in Nutrition and Dietetics. I am currently Assistant Branch Secretary
Lorna McCourt
Assistant Branch Secretary
I have been an accredited Unison representative since 2017.
I started my journey within the NHS in 1985 – working as a student Pharmacy Technician at UHW-once qualified, I had various roles within industry and NHS England, until returning to Cardiff and Vale UHB in 2003.
Since 2003, I have had several different roles, all within Pharmacy – I have worked in mental health, and from 2010, working in the Technical Services site for Pharmacy – where I specialised in Pharmacy
This year I have been elected as Assistant Branch Secretary for our Branch – and looking forward to this opportunity., with members interests at the forefront of my mind.
I also hold the role of Independent Member (Trade Union) within Cardiff and Vale UHB.
Janice Aspinall
Branch Treasurer
Responsible for managing branch finances, including keeping accounts.
The main responsibilities of branch treasurers include:
- keeping accounts in accordance with the rules;
- preparing budgets for defined areas of activities such as welfare, recruitment, campaigning, etc;
- providing reports on the financial position of the branch to the branch committee or branch executive committee;
- providing a detailed financial report for the annual branch meeting(s);
- advising the branch officers and branch committee on matters relating to financial management and appropriate expenditure;
- providing an audited annual return of branch income.
Rachel Lloyd-Jones
Assistant Treasurer
The assistant treasurer's primary responsibility is managing the branch's cash flow, ensuring sufficient funds are available to meet both operational and strategic requirements. This role includes forecasting cash inflows and outflows, optimizing working capital, and securing short-term and long-term financing. Additionally, the assistant treasurer monitors bank accounts, reconciles transactions, and reports on the cash position and performance.
Mat Thomas
Communication Officer
I joined the NHS back in 2010 as a porter. I trained to become part of the Heli Pad portering team to support the Air Ambulance Emergency Landings in UHW. I became a trade union representative in 2016.
Since joining Cardiff and Vale UNISON Branch I have held numerous officer positions including, vice chair and chair, membership service officer and more recently I have been elected as an Assistant Branch Secretary since April 2024.
I am also part of the wider trade union leadership team as the Staff Side Lead rep for Capital Estates and Facilities.
We work together as a collective group to build strength, partnerships and shared success.
Vacant Next up take will be 2027
Black Members Officer
The Black Members Officer represents and supports Black members within the branch, helping to ensure their voices, experiences, and concerns are heard and acted upon. The role focuses on promoting equality, fairness, and inclusion, and on challenging racism and discrimination in the workplace.
The Black Members Officer works with branch officers, representatives, and members to raise awareness of issues affecting Black workers, support campaigning and events, and encourage engagement and participation in UNISON. They also act as a key point of contact for Black members and contribute to the branch’s wider equality and organising work.
Andrew Palmer
Disability Officer
UNISON’s disabled members’ group fights discrimination and campaigns for improved workplace accessibility and other issues. Find out how we campaign and organise at workplace, regional and national levels.
Vacant Next up take will be 2027
ULR Learning Co-ordinator
The Union Learning Representative (ULR) supports members by promoting access to learning, training, and development opportunities in the workplace. The role focuses on helping members gain new skills, improve confidence, and access education that supports both their working life and career progression.
The ULR works with members, employers, and other branch officers to identify learning needs, signpost training opportunities, and encourage lifelong learning. They play an important role in supporting personal development, improving employability, and helping members reach their full potential.
Abigail Bernard
Equality Officer
I have worked for the Health Board for 9 years, including 3 years in the Equity & Inclusion Department, which fuelled my passion for ensuring everyone is treated with equity and inclusion. I strive to foster a fair and supportive environment where all individuals can thrive and contribute their best because equity and inclusion are essential for creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential. I have been a rep for just over a year.
Becoming a union rep allows me to advocate for the rights and well-being of my colleagues. It provides an opportunity to ensure fair treatment, address concerns, and support a positive work environment. I believe that strong representation is crucial for fostering trust and collaboration within the workplace, and I am committed to making a difference through this role.
Madeleine Smith
Green/ Environmental Officer
Hi, my name is Maddy Smith, I have been an accredited Unison representative since 2018. I have worked in Cardiff and Vale UHB since 2006 and have worked in several different roles and department but mainly in Nutrition and Dietetics. I am currently the Environmental Officer and Education Coordinator for the health boards Unison branch and have been re-elected as Environmental officer for 3 years now. I became Environmental officer as I am passionate about nature and green issues, but this always works alongside my passion for workers' rights and protecting the rights of all NHS employees, working together to combat prejudice and striving to make Cardiff and Vale a greener and more pleasant place for all employees.
Bill Salter
Health & Safety Officer
I am the Branch Health & Safety Officer and have 3 Health and safety advisors with me who are Janice Aspinall Jacqueline Payter & Andrew Palmer.
I am also the Branch Vice Chair.
I have been elected in a few positions in Unison in our Welsh region as Health & Safety Chair and Operational Lead for Wales specialising in campaigns for bands 1s to 5.
My main role is Staff Side Lead for CD&T Clinical board.
Janice Aspinall
Health & Safety Advisor 1
Hi, my name is Janice Aspinall and I am a registered nurse, working in anaesthetics and have done this role since I qualified many years ago.
I have been a Trade Union rep for over 18 years, providing support when needed specialising in Health & Safety.
My role is to ensure the Health, Safety and Wellbeing of all UHB staff is paramount and that you are treated with compassion and fairness at all times.
I hold the role of Lead Rep for H&S Staff Side which is an elected post and I stand with all my Unison Colleagues to ensure that your voice is heard.
Andrew Palmer
Health & Safety Advisor 2
I am a Prosthetic Technician based in Rookwood Hospital with 28yrs service.
I am a H&S rep and a member of the Disabled Members SOG.
I became a rep 4 years ago because I wanted to help others and give something back for the help our department had received.
Vacant Next up take will be 2027
Health & Safety Advisor 3
What do Health and Safety reps do?
They:
- talk to members about their health and safety issues and work together with management to resolve these issues.
- investigate potential hazards
- raise concerns with your employer to improve safety in the workplace and deal with specific problems that arise at work
- promote better health and safety in the workplace and encourage everyone to get involved in the union – UNISON is the union that gets things done.
Vacant Next up take will be 2027
International Officer
I develops and lead on international solidarity activities including campaigns, twinning with sister unions and support for projects abroad.
The role includes:
- co-ordinating the branch’s work on international relations;
- making sure members are informed of national policy on international matters;
- receiving and distributing relevant information;
- encouraging members to be aware of the importance of international solidarity issues within the context of the overall work of the union;
- liaising where appropriate with central and regional international structures and reporting the views of the branch on international activities;
- liaising with other branch officers concerning publicity and education on international issues;
- liaising with the solidarity organisations and campaigns that UNISON is affiliated to;
- encouraging members of the branch to take action and take part in international solidarity activities organised nationally or regionally;
- developing an international perspective among members, stewards and branch officers.
Vacant Next up take will be 2027
LGBT+ Officer
The UNISON LGBT Officer works to represent members within the branch. The role focuses on promoting equality, inclusion, and fair treatment in the workplace, and ensuring that LGBT+ members’ voices are heard and reflected in branch activity.
The LGBT+ Officer helps raise awareness of issues affecting LGBT+ members, supports campaigns and events, and works with other branch officers to challenge discrimination and promote inclusive policies. They also act as a point of contact for members, encouraging engagement, visibility, and participation in UNISON at all levels.
Lorna McCourt
Womens Officer
I am currently Women’s officer for our Unison branch and have been re-elected as Womens officer for 7 years now.
I became Womens officer as I am passionate about Women’s rights, and also their safety – both in the workplace and in the community, but this always works alongside my passion for workers' rights and protecting the rights of all NHS employees, working together to combat prejudice and striving to make Cardiff and Vale a safer place for all employees..
Mat Thomas
Membership Services Officer
I joined the NHS back in 2010 as a porter, I then did my training to become part of the Heli Pad portering team this was to support the Air Ambulance Emergency Landing in UHW .
I Became a Trade Union Representative in 2016, over the years I have supported hundreds of members with issue like.
- Sickness Absence issues and support
- Disability
- Health & Safety
- Disciplinaries
- Dignity out works
- Grievances (Now Called Respect and Resolution)
- Discrimination in the work place
- Racism
- Pay
- A lot of other Trade Union work on behalf of Unison and the Staff Side collective who’s moto’s is. Working Together The Cardiff and Vale Staff Side Group
Since joining the Unison Cardiff Branch, I have held numerous officer position within the branch they include, vice chair and then Chair of the Branch.
Vacant Next up take will be 2027
Recruitment Officer
The Recruitment Officer plays a key role in growing and strengthening the branch by encouraging new members to join UNISON. They help promote the benefits of union membership and work to ensure all workers are aware of the support, representation, and opportunities UNISON offers.
The role involves working with branch officers and workplace representatives to support recruitment activity, welcome new members, and help improve member engagement and retention. By building a strong and active membership, the Recruitment Officer helps ensure the branch has a strong collective voice to protect and represent members effectively.
Melvena Richards
Retired Members Officer
UNISON’s retired members play an active role in creating a fairer society.
Retired members campaign to improve:
- legislation
- pension provision
- action against discrimination, including age discrimination.
Retired members have a wealth of experience and knowledge that make them a valuable part of UNISON campaigns.
They also work closely with other member groups on almost every issue that affects workers in the UK, as well as fighting for quality public services, on which many older people rely.
Jessica Kelly
Young members’ officer
The role of the branch young members’ officer is ideal for someone who is interested in becoming more active in the union. The post may be a stepping stone to becoming a steward or taking on wider roles.
The responsibilities include:
- recruiting new members and organising and encouraging existing young members to become active in the branch and in UNISON campaigns;
- building a branch young members’ organisation and making sure there are potential new young members’ officers in the future;
- making sure issues of concern to young workers are raised through the branch;
- acting as a focal point for all young workers in the branch and workplaces;
- receiving and distributing UNISON young members’ information.
Other branch officers will help in these tasks. Branch young members’ officer must be under 30 years of age for the whole of their term of office.
Vacant Next up take will be 2027
Labour Link Officer